Meet the Team Behind: Drive Change

Drive Change empowers justice-involved young New Yorkers through culinary and hospitality training, social support, and career pathways — helping them build skills, confidence, and economic opportunities after involvement with the legal system. Learn more here! 

Can you tell me about the need for your work? 

More than 2 million New Yorkers have a criminal record, collectively losing approximately $12.6 billion in earnings annually due to employment barriers. Quality employment is critical to disrupting the cycle of incarceration, poverty, and intergenerational trauma. We ground our workforce programming in the culinary arts because we believe that hospitality can serve as a tool for social justice. We’re creating systemic change and sustainable impact through boldly reimagining what’s possible for the food and hospitality industry.

What does your signature fellowship program entail? 

Our programs are rooted in the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive personally and professionally, and that hospitality can be a tool for social justice. Our fellowship is a three-month paid program that teaches culinary arts, leadership development, and centers mental health, preparing fellows to successfully enter the workforce. 60 justice-involved young adults participate in the fellowship each year and learn things like knife skills, cooking techniques, and financial literacy, while also having the support of licensed therapists. We provide necessary training, social support, and pathways to advance their economic mobility and overall well-being. 

What is Drive Change Foods? 

Drive Change Foods is a mission-driven food truck and catering company that transforms lives through the power of hospitality. It’s a social enterprise that creates exceptional culinary experiences while providing meaningful employment and professional development for young people impacted by the justice system. Every plate we serve helps fund reentry support, skills training, and economic mobility for our community— reimagining what justice and service can look like. Drive Change Foods is creating a more equitable food system where every meal empowers a future beyond incarceration. Please reach out if you’d like us to cater your next special event! 

How are you involved in the community? 

Our Culinary Access & Relief Events provide community members experiencing food insecurity with free, culturally respectful, nutritious food, serving 5,000 families every year. It’s important for young adults to have mentors and access to opportunities, and our Hospitality for Social Justice Network is a collection of NYC industry leaders committed to investing in the professional development and well-being of at-risk young adults, creating opportunities where those who have been impacted by the legal system can build careers of dignity in their own communities.